Naturalist Night: Snowy Plover Expert Panel

Join us for a presentation and expert panel discussion about the presence of the overwintering flock of Western Snowy Plovers at Seabright Beach–the science behind their survival, and the inspiring grassroots dune restoration efforts transforming our coastline right here at Seabright Beach! Topics include: Natural History & Lifecycle: An in-depth look at Western Snowy Plover behavior, identification, biology, and historical population recovery goals in the Monterey Bay area. Protection & Threats: Discussion on key threats—such as habitat loss, non-native plants, human disturbance, and heavy predation pressure from crows, ravens, gulls, and foxes. Federal Recovery & Management: Reviewing the Pacific Coast population’s listing under the Endangered Species Act in 1993, its status as a California species of special concern since 1978. Ecosystem Restoration & Native Dunes: Special presentations from Groundswell Ecology on the Seabright Beach Coastal Enhancement Project—highlighting how infrastructure, restoration, and dune building protect shorelines and keep plovers returning year after year. REGISTER HERE Ticket Price: $12 General | $8 Students Discounts: $5 Member discount About the Speakers: Portia Halbert: Portia Halbert is the Natural Resources Program Manager with the Santa Cruz District of California State Parks. For 26 years she has been part of a resource management team who manage parkland and restore habitat in the 70,000 acres of Parks in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties. Will Duncan: Forestry Technician with California State Parks’ Santa Cruz District and the District’s lead Western Snowy Plover Biologist. Will has participated in the Western Snowy Plover Conservation Program, conducting surveys on state beaches across Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties. Dr. Bill Henry Dr. Bill Henry (Ph.D. UCSC) is founding director of Groundswell Coastal Ecology and co-leads the Monterey Bay Living Shoreline Program. For the past decade he has led restoration…